SPIRITUAL FORTITUDE THROUGH DIET

“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” Dan.1:8

     The lesson of diet and appetite teaches the Bible student several lessons. First and foremost is its association with sin. GOD gave guidelines for our best diet from the beginning: “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.” Gen.1:29. Later, after the flood when the eating of animal meat was needed to sustain life GOD gave specific instructions on how man was to eat the flesh of animals. A specific command was given: “But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.” Gen.9:4. Remember, this was a thousand years before Israel and the “Kosher” diet GOD ordained to maintain their health and clarity of mind.

     A grand example for us today is when we look at the life of the prophet Daniel and his close friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. In their lives we see an unshakable faith in the most threatening circumstances, whether of being thrown into a fiery furnace or into a den of starving lions. Their obedience to all of GOD’S commands, including their diet fortified their resolve to stand every test and shine the glory of GOD upon all who viewed their lives. As a result, Daniel was implicitly trusted by three kings. The principle is simple, if you keep the commandments of GOD, all are safe with you.

     There is a close relationship between our temperance in diet and one’s moral resolve. When we see the ill health of the average American these days, when we see the moral degradation of our society, a large proportion of our failings in America rests with the chosen diet. Our government and corporations run on a diet of liquor. Social drinking is a great crippler of judgment, especially when it comes to the poor: "It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted." Prov.31:4,5. And as a result of America’s drunkenness, look how unstable we have become as a nation. As to the average American worker, he lives on unhealthy fast foods. Lunch break gives just enough time for a quick bite to eat, and bringing healthy foods to work is rarely considered.

     Americans are not educated in proper diet. Fact: You can go to McDonald’s and buy a quarter pounder with cheese, and french fries, bring them home and place them in a closet for 20 years. Then return to examine them, and they will look nearly the same as the day you purchased them! Even mold won’t touch it! Fact: The healthiest foods have the shortest shelf life (except the miracle of honey). This is where canning and root cellars traditionally have blessed families.

     So, in the spiritual realm, nothing pleases Satan more than an unhealthy lifestyle, for it dramatically shortens the life span, brings unwanted diseases and suffering, and most importantly beclouds the mind of discernment, temperance, and willpower to obey GOD. It excites uncontrollable passions and hinders the ability to hear GOD’S Voice and thereby stunting one’s growth into the similitude of Christ. Satan despises Jesus Christ and all that He stands for. That which Satan despises should be our desire to attain, for “holiness unto the LORD” is the ideal for every Christian.

     As the end draws near and disease continues to rise, and minds are clouded with a hundred manmade toxins in the blood and tissues, Satan has consolidated his pawns among men to carry out his last campaign against those faithful to Jesus Christ. And what is on the horizon of our day will bring a final test upon GOD’S faithful children. And because GOD desires our victory in this final test He desires our implicit trust in Him as demonstrated in the lives of the patriarchs and prophets. Every Christian is called to a far higher standard than today’s nominal Christianity, for what is predominant in the church today is a guarantee for failure when this last test comes. Why? Until appetite is overcome the temptation to sin will not be overcome. Eve's giving in to appetite led her to eat the forbidden fruit (Gen.3:6). The Hebrews appetite overcame them while in the wilderness (Nu.11:4). And above all the most important illustration for the Bible believing Christian is how Christ fasted forty days to conquer His appetite before beginning His ministry declaring "the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." Mk.1:15.

     Within the thousands of voices all declaring “what we need,” the LORD has His “still small voice” reaching hearts for the truth, “as the truth is in Jesus.” Eph.4:21. And if they can have the discernment to see the sins that are so prevalent in all the churches (without exception) and shun being participants in those sins, GOD will sanctify that soul to stand when the last call to righteousness goes forth.

     Because this world is coming to its close the fourth angel of Revelation 18 is soon to lighten the Earth with GOD’S glory. And it is at this time when the faithful among men will be called upon to witness GOD’S last appeal before the final apostasy unites the human race against Christ and the Law He died to uphold, as was prophesied of Him: “he will magnify the law, and make it honourable.” Isa.42:21. Every means the LORD has given in His Word will be put to the stretch in the lives of the faithful. And the more attention we can give to those areas of our lives that need reformation the better our ability to serve Christ and see the test through to the end: to the honor and glory of our LORD. Whatever is the leading sin in one’s life, this should have the priority, to overcome it and leave it behind. A perfect example of this is seen in the life of Judas Iscariot. What was his greatest sin? It was that of greed. Jesus knew this. And what was the position of Judas among the twelve? Treasurer! Jesus well understood that if Judas could overcome this leading sin in his life the rest would fall like dominos. And we may be sure that Jesus gave precious counsel to Judas in this regard.

     Lastly, let us remind ourselves that 50% of Christ’s ministry was medical missionary work. And while His power is available to heal, educating a proper lifestyle that stands in allegiance with Bible guidelines will compliment the healing power of Christ to where the intellect will be sharpened, and the discernment blessed with wisdom. The power of GOD cannot be called to heal the liver of a drunkard, knowing that he will go right back to drinking. It is the same principle as repentance. Solomon gave counsel on this: “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Prov.28:13. GOD desires our full understanding in these matters. In summation, the trained medical missionary, united with a heart full of Christ’s love will have a power to save souls for “the kingdom of God” at a time when no other method will allow. Prophecy is clear on the straits that Satan is about to bring on the faithful saints.

     As our liberties are progressively being removed, every Christian would be wise to become knowledgeable in the Bible’s eight laws of health: Water, Air, Sunlight, Diet, Rest, Exercise, Temperance, & Faith in Christ. These should be coordinated with medical missionary training: in herbs and natural remedy treatments of detoxification, alternating hot & cold water, fomentations, hydrotherapy, physical therapy, salt glows, etc. Those who train in this area will find a field of labor everywhere.

     The key word for the closing work of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is SYMMETRY (never blessing one area of work to the neglect of another). The LORD has set His children as watchmen on the walls of Zion. And every activity that associates with GOD’S children is to be properly identified and noised abroad: “For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth.” Isa.21:6